Yes, You Can Make Your Own Espadrilles — Here’s How!

One of the saddest moments of my recent move was realizing that I have filled my shoe rack perfectly. You might think this is a good thing — “Ah yes! All the shoes fit!” But oh no, it’s bad. Now I can’t buy any more shoes! You know what that means — time for a DIY update. Espadrilles are always a summertime favorite, and they are actually extremely easy to make yourself. We suggest heading to your closet and finding those old shoes with stains on the sole and giving them a fresh update with nautical rope. Fresh new shoes for summer, ya’ll!

Materials + Tools:

– various types of shoes

– various thickness of rope or twine

– hot glue gun

– scissors

Instructions:

1. Lay down a large chunk of hot glue on the sole of your shoe and attach your rope. Hold in place to make sure it’s really secure.

2. Keep laying down hot glue and wrapping the rope as you go along.

3. Trim the end of the rope and secure to the shoe.

This rope is pretty heavy duty and requires a decent amount of hot glue to hold it down.

Place hot glue along the shoe and wrap the rope following the curves of the sole.

Make sure you lay the rope right next to the previous row. You will not want gaps in your new espadrilles.

Once you get to a point where you can’t complete full wraps any longer, trim the rope and secure in place with a decent amount of hot glue.

To finish off the heel, you will need to cut individual lengths of rope and secure in place.

Your chunky heels are now ready for summertime.

Our feet will forever love the wedge. <3 <3

Time for some flat sandals! Grab a pair of your old Birkenstocks and give them a brand new life. We chose a lighter colored rope for these summertime sandals.

If you don’t have any old shoes that you are willing to DIY, head to a thrift store or a place where you can find affordable accessories on the cheap, like Forever 21.

Our feet love the wedge, but let’s be real – there is nothing better than a flat sandal.

Do your sneakers have some scuffs all over the soles? Update them with some thin twine. These sneaks are now boating ready.

Kelly Bryden, an east coast native, is stoked to be a part of the Brit + Co team. Design, DIY, and fashion are her passions. If she isn't crafting you can catch her on the dance floor or wrapped up in aerial silks.